Any Witch Way

by Annastaysia Savage

  “The fifteenth plane had been blocked from all visitations for as long as I can remember and for good reason, as you saw. Any removal of creatures from any plane has always been banned for millennia. Obviously, the Syndicate has found a way to overcome our magik. They’ve found a way to overcome all magikal laws and regulations.

  “This is both dangerous and a horrible mistake. This leader of theirs, what’s he called, the Master? Well, he obviously thinks he can control these creatures, but he or she, or whatever it may be, will soon find out what an evil den of awful he’s opened the door to. We’re now trying to figure out how he did it, and what other creatures he’s brought here that shouldn’t be. Oh, lass, if only things were the way they used to be….”

  Tara seemed to drift off, her eyes were distant and little glassy. Sadie wished she could read her mind like Tara could read hers and others. Actually, Sadie just wished she understood all this magik, the rules that applied, why certain people had certain gifts and others had different ones. She wanted to know why some people could transport, some could read minds, while others couldn’t and some had gifts within them while others needed talismans and magikal objects. She just wanted to know how it all worked, how her magik worked, and how she fit into the grand scheme of things.

  If only she weren’t stuck in the middle of this horrible war, she could well be on with her learning. There were so many things she wished to do, so many things she needed to learn. And she was so confused about everything.

  “Well, you two look like statues. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were under some sort of spell,” said Adrienne MacDougall as she strode into the room, smiling and refreshed.

  Her voice broke both Sadie’s and Tara’s trains of thought and snapped them back to the reality of their present situation.

  Tara smiled and went to sit in one of the big, comfy upholstered chairs by the roaring fire. Sadie hugged her mom; she couldn’t get in enough hugs these days. She had vowed to herself to hug her mother even more, now that she had her back. Her mother smiled and reciprocated before ushering Sadie with her to fill the remaining seats by the fire.

  “Sadie, there are some things you need to know, and some things I need to tell you, as your mother, before we leap headfirst into this nasty battle between the Guild and the Syndicate,” her mother started.

  “How can I possibly learn all of my magik before then,” asked Sadie, “there’s too much. It’s so complicated, and I’ve only just become a witchling. Am I not supposed to have at least three years of training or something?”

  Her mother smiled at her and reached out to stroke her long, brown hair. Sadie brushed it away from her eyes before beginning to twist it between her fingers.

  “If truth and righteousness be with us, you’ll have ample time to learn all that you need about magik, but for now, I need you to know several important facts that will affect the outcome of your magik and, quite possibly, this war,” said her mother.

  “And what your mother is going to tell you, you need to take to heart, lass. It’s of the utmost importance,” added Tara.

  “Sadie, my Ladybug, as a witch or witchling or any magikal being, for that matter, you are no longer bound by space and time, nor any of the laws of nature that apply here on this earth in this human realm. With that power and knowledge comes great responsibility. All magikal creatures discover this, and you will soon as well.” Adrienne cleared her throat. “Some magikal beings use their powers for good, some for bad, just as men do in the human world. You must remember that whichever path you choose affects everything, and everything you do returns to you—threefold.”

  Sadie was a little offended. How could her own mother think she would possibly choose evil over good?

  There are some old classmates of mine that I would like to shock into reality, the ones who teased me so relentlessly in school, but I would NEVER be a bad person or witch, she thought to herself.

  “Mom, I….”

  “Please, Sadie, let me finish. Now, some of us, including myself, Tara or even you may not make it back from this clash. If you do survive, you must go on with or without me. For you hold the Ataraxia Heart in your possession, and its powers can help every world, always, ‘til you pass it on to your daughter.” (The thought of losing her mother again made her stomach lurch, and who said she wanted to have kids?)

  “And I want you to be the best and kindest witch this side of the magikal realm. You have a great power and responsibility by being the Keeper of the Ataraxia Heart. Use it well and wisely. For it’s hard to correct all the evil or bad you’ve done once it’s put out there in the universe. The reason being is that since it revisits you threefold, it’s just hard to catch up to it all.

  “I’m telling you all of this because I am your mother and I love you. I want you to succeed in all your endeavors. I want, I need…we all need for you to discover the Heart and all that comes with its possession,” her mother finished as she looked Sadie right in the eye.

  “Are you trying to read my mind? ‘Cause I hate that, and I’m teaching myself how to block any unwanted mind visitors,” said Sadie.

  Her mother laughed and so did Tara, their combined voices sounding like music hanging in the air.

  “No, Sadie, I was just admiring what a beautiful young woman you are becoming. You look so much like your father, and I miss him almost as much as I’ve missed you these last three years,” she said.

  A single tear slid down her cheek, making a dark spot on the deep blue velvet dress she was wearing. Sadie didn’t know what to say; she never really thought of her father. She KNEW he was dead. At the same time, she had never seen her mother cry for him; she always seemed so, well…together.

  Sadie guessed that if she had known him, her feelings would be different and she might cry, as well. She made a mental note to talk to her mother more about her father when all of this was over, if they lived through it.

  Wiping her cheek and smoothing her hair, she stood and spoke. “Well, I didn’t expect to get so emotional about everything. Now, we’ve got to get ready for our mission and this battle. Shall we go to the meeting chamber? I think the Three are waiting for us there.”

  Tara stood, as did Sadie, and they followed Adrienne out of the room. They made their way to the office of Ms. Cabot, One of Three, and the witch that Sadie thought to be the most powerful out of everyone she had met. And the most intimidating, she didn’t mind admitting to herself. She also didn’t mind admitting to herself once again, of course, that she felt she was in no way ready to really do magik let alone fight in a battle that could affect life on several plains of existence. Sadie wondered what a thirteen-year-old girl could do in the face of such evil, even if she were a witch or witchling.

  “‘ello Dearies, would you care for a cuppa?” Mrs. Teak questioned. Grimm lay curled up on her lap, and he purred while she stroked him. Mrs. Teak looked down at him with a smile.

  “‘e’s been staying with us while Abigail Felis ‘as been off on some mission collecting artifacts and talismans that may ‘elp in this endeavor. I personally think ‘e’s more content ‘ere. I give ‘im as many biscuits as ‘e wants. Abigail always monitored his consumption, saying she didn’t want a fat cat. Cats are supposed to be a bit fat, don’t ya think? Would you care for a biscuit, Sadie?”

  “There will be time for that later, you English twit. We’ve got work to do,” responded Miss Bruja in a rather nasty tone. “I swear that woman has the personality of eighty grit sandpaper and the brains of a mentally impaired troll. How could she possibly lead the Guild, much less the Three?”

  “I apologize for these two; they’ve been arguing for the entire day about who should become number one should I meet my demise. You see what power does to people; all they want is more, even within our ranks. And it’s not like they get a pay raise with the position. Don’t let them get to you. As I told them, nothing will bring me down save for the constant bickering from these two that I can’t escape. I was about to put a d
eaf spell on myself to avoid any more of this squabble,” she said.

  “And I would pray thee give me some relief as well, but who listens to a meager chair, even one who breaks his back giving seat and service to some rather large guests that you have—most all the time I might add,” said Arthur.

  Sadie smiled, remembering her initial shock at her first encounter with the talking chair; it was yet another part of her here and now that seemed like centuries ago.

  “The three of you, along with a small army that was not conscripted, but volunteered to go with you, are to infiltrate the Syndicate’s main offices while the legions we have amassed will begin our attack on every Syndicate stronghold around the world slightly before you enter your target. This should give you ample room to move about. I’m assuming most of the Syndicate and its minions will be off fighting the rest of us once word gets ‘round…and it will rather quickly.

  “As for the Master, your guess is as good as mine. Use any magik necessary; should things go awry, the North Wind has offered his lodgings as a hold up. Now remember, we’ve learned that the Master, oh, how I hate to say that name—NO man is my master—has brought creatures and beasts from plains of existence that do not belong here, nor should they have ever come here, but it is what it is, and we’ll deal accordingly.

  “We also know that he has unlocked some sort of magik stronger than our own, or this Master has done something to affect our magik and our laws of magik. Some spells aren’t working as they should be, as I’m sure you’ve all noticed. Our biggest hope in winning this war hangs on you, Sadie, the Keeper of the Ataraxia Heart.”

  Sadie’s own heart sank, as did her stomach. How could they expect a girl, a witchling with no powers of her own who didn’t even know where to begin looking for said Heart, to save all of humankind’s existence as well as that of the magikal realm? She shook her head and her palms began to sweat. Twisting her hair between her fingers, she felt as though her legs were going to give out on her. Swallowing proved difficult with such a dry throat so she tried to lick her lips instead. Her mouth felt as though it were stranded in the desert surrounded by peanut butter cookies.

  “Pardon me, Ms. Cabot, I would love to be able to do as you ask, but I know nothing. I don’t know where to find this Ataraxia Heart. Perhaps if you were to give me some time to look for it, I could be better equipped to do what you ask of me,” said Sadie in a weak voice, trying not to throw up in front of everyone.

  “Witchling, we have no time. I believe in you; we all believe in you. Be strong and open to all possibilities. Do what you feel inside to be the right thing to do. Stay close to Tara and your mother and my lands, child, do not let yourself be caught again. I’m not sure we could save you this time. Now, if there’s nothing further, you three must go so we can start this war and, with any luck, finish it for good,” Ms. Cabot said with her usual commanding voice.

  Sadie knew her last word had much more meaning attached to it than intended.

  Before Sadie could protest anymore, Tara, her mother, and eventually she joined hands making the usual W sign over their hearts. Sadie kept her eyes on her mother, hoping for some sort of sign, but Adrienne was lost in concentration. As the spell began to take effect, Sadie looked to the Three and watched them blur and fade from sight. In the midst of the transporting spell, Sadie could still hear the Three speaking to one another.

  “Why do I feel as though I sent the lamb to the slaughter?” queried Ms. Cabot.

  “Don’t worry, Felicity; the girl is stronger than she thinks,” said Miss Bruja. “And her heart is pure; I saw it. And I saw something else in it as well.” This caused Ms. Cabot, Mrs. Teak, and Grimm to look up from what they were doing.

  “She’ll figure things out soon enough...I hope.”

  * * *

  No sooner than the room came into focus did Sadie smell the stench of something burning once again. She knew they were back in the place that she least wanted to be, but had to be; and a huge war was about to begin. Tara put her hands over her eyes and then pulled them away a minute later.

  “All the rest are outside waiting for our call,” she said.

  “Good, now, if I remember correctly, this corridor leads to the dungeons. Maybe we can release some of the others to help in the fight, at least, the ones who are still strong enough to fight,” said Adrienne.

  Sadie just stood there, wondering what she could do, and why she was even there. She still felt she would be of better service if she had been given time to locate the Heart and possibly learn some magik. She squeezed her hand over the smooth object in her pocket.

  At least I still have my talisman, though a lot of good that’ll do if I don’t know how to use it.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud wail.

  “Just as I thought, this way girls,” said Adrienne.

  The threesome crept silently towards the dungeons, alert and almost wobbly with the enormous weight of what lay upon them. They rounded a bend and the stench became thicker, stronger, causing Tara to cough a little. Adrienne stopped and looked back at her with admonition.

  “Sorry, it’s just that the stench is becoming worse. It’s hanging in the air like liverwurst that’s been sitting in the sun,” said Tara. “Speaking of the smell of liverwurst, I hope Alroy is one of the ranks outside. Oh, how he loves a good battle, and I’d hate for him to miss this one.”

  At the end of the shorter corridor they had entered, there was a faint light they cautiously walked towards. Reaching the door, the smell was so thick they had to cover their mouths with their hands. A substantial, grey-green smoke floated in a layer a foot thick and hung from the ceiling as if it could drip down on them. Adrienne gasped. Immediately, she grabbed hands with Tara and threw up the W, signaling to Sadie that they needed a shield. Tara grabbed Sadie’s hand tightly and pulled her closer. Making the magik for the shield had brought them all together in the doorway, and both Tara and Sadie saw what had caused Adrienne’s alarm.

  A lone creature stood in front of a large fire pit. It was slick with sweat, black and completely hairless. This creature had no eyes and in its place where the nose should be was a protrusion that looked like someone had stuck a pink, glistening octopus on its face. The wiggly appendages seemed to sniff the air of the cell immediately in front of it, and a beak snapped out of the mass. It clicked and clacked open and shut as the creature opened a cell door. Whatever was inside squealed as the creature grabbed it in its long, bony fingers. Turning to face the fire pit again, they saw that it now held a small gnome over the flames. It licked its lips, and then said a few words too garbled for them to understand. The gnome struggled, but to no avail, the creature had a tight grasp on the little being.

  Please release me.

  Sadie thought she heard the gnome say though his lips did not move.

  It had to be the gnome. The only other voice I’ve ever heard in my head was Mom’s, unless I’m slowly beginning to be able to read minds, too.

  The fire within the pit roared and rose up, flames licking the ceiling before dropping again. From out of the fire a large, orange colored profile appeared. It was the color of rotting pumpkins. It was shaped like a pig’s head with features to match, but had the eyes of a cat on the prowl. It appeared to be just skeletal, no skin or muscle tissue. Two massive black twisted horns jutted from its skull, dripping with blood and flame, and its spiky sharp teeth extended out in all directions.

  This enormous and repulsive head was attached to the body of a serpent with gleaming dead pumpkin orange scales, not dissimilar to steel. It had two muscular arms, short like a tyrannosaurus rex, with skinny little clawed fingers that clicked and gnashed together. Sadie shivered as the little gnome wiggled and squealed relentlessly. She couldn’t believe the horror she was witnessing, and she didn’t want to think about what was to come next.

  The black beast dropped the gnome into the pit, and the pig-serpent creature grabbed it between its mangled teeth. In two quick chomps, it was all over with,
and the creature descended once again into the flames. A deep red glow came from the opposite corner of the room no sooner than the gnome was devoured. The horrible stench of burning flesh became unbearable. Sadie knew that being transfixed by the scene she'd just witnessed had kept her from noticing it before, but now that it was glowing, it was all she could look at.

  On a pedestal the height of about five foot tall stood a glowing red, semi-translucent, heart-shaped object. Sadie heard Tara gasp. She looked at her mother and recognized sheer terror holding her features frozen.

  Please let us go.

  Sadie looked around and didn’t see anyone or anything the voice could have come from. She realized this voice was in her head, much like her mother’s voice had been.

  Is this the Ataraxia Heart, the heart they all keep talking about?

  “The Core of Corruption,” whispered Tara.

  Sadie was glad to hear this truth because, in fact, she thought the object might just really be the Ataraxia Heart. And she in no way wanted to go near it.

  “That’s right, how quick you recognize pure evil when you see it, when you yourselves are such self-righteous beings. I don’t mind saying that I’m a little surprised, I thought you…people knew more. You’re right to show such fear in its presence, for it can destroy you before you even know what’s happened. All it takes is one word from me.”

  The threesome quickly peeled their eyes from the glowing orb and found they were looking at a tall man in a black silken suit. A man that Sadie and her mother recognized to be the Master. Sadie gasped as Tara and her mother moved to put themselves between her and him. With the protective shield broken, it was all they could do. The Master laughed. Though his eyes appeared to be red-rimmed and he kept sniffling, he still looked as menacing as ever.

  “Don’t think you can protect her. If I had wanted her dead, she would be already. As you can see, as you have seen, I can do many, many things since I’ve released the Soul Seether and gained use of the Core. All I have to do is feed him some of those stinking pure souls, easy to find believe it or not, and I have all the power and magik I need right at my fingertips.”